The “Business Mindset”
The “Business Mindset” defined.
Earlier today my business partner Tina Forsyth and I offered a free teleclass for Virtual Assistants - “A ’sneak peak’ into the conversations with business owners - what they are really needing from their Virtual Assistants”. Over 200 people registered for this call.
I talked a little about “Business Mindset”. Many VAs have already told me that this topic really impacted their thought process when working with their clients so I thought I’d share here on the blog. My book (which is coming out soon!) covers more on this topic.
There is a transition that needs to take place when you own a Virtual Assistant business. You are no longer an office employee, a subordinate in a hierarchy chart, waiting for delegation from your executive.
You are now a professional business owner, an expert in your area. Your boundaries have extended. Your opinions, feedback and some guidance matter. Not only do they matter - they are expected.
This is where the “employee mindset” transition to “Business Mindset” needs to take place.
The truth is business owners who want to work with a Virtual Assistant do not want to delegate. They want a Virtual Assistant who will partner with them, provide feedback and suggestions and take on tasks as appropriate. They want someone who will
- ask the right questions,
- listen to their needs,
- identify the steps and technology required to accomplish goals,
- TELL them what is needed and provide the solutions - i.e. take care of the details.
As a Virtual Assistant - if you can apply the Business Mindset and combine it with the Marketing Mindset (we’ll talk more about this in future posts), you will have no trouble keeping and attracting clients. In fact, you will eventually need to learn how to say no to new clients.
Think of it this way - by waiting for a client to delegate work to you, you are short-changing yourself by not demonstrating what you’re really capable of. Chances of building a long-term relationship with this client are slim. Can you afford to not change?
